Comicosity’s 2016 Gift Guide

The Holidays are in full swing and, chances are, you’ve got a comic reader on the to-buy-for list somewhere. With that in mind, we compiled a list of some of the best comic book collections and original graphic novels that came out in 2016 that’ll tick all the right boxes for the person that is impossible to buy for! (Please note that Comicosity receives no monetary reimbursement from links, they are simply provided for convenience. These comics can also be ordered from your local comic book store!)

THE NAMELESS CITYFaith Erin HicksPublished by :01 First SecondFind it on Amazon HERE

“The Nameless City is a fantastic read that I heartily recommend to anyone who likes a well told story featuring a diverse cast and strong, well crafted lead characters.” – read the full review HERE.

“There’s a vitality to Diana in this story that truly does not exist anywhere else.” – Emma Houxbois – read the full review HERE.

FANTASY SPORTS 2: THE BANDIT OF BARBEL BAYSam BosmaPublished by Nobrow PressFind it on Amazon HERE

This is the second chapter in a fun series that has a lot of heart and is really unique. Great for YA readers, or anyone who really likes an entertaining story.

HIPPOPOTAMISTERJohn Patrick GreenPublished by :01 First SecondFind it on Amazon HERE

“A friendly vehicle for delivering a set of morals, Hippopotamister gives readers of all ages a chance to have some fun, explore some different career options, and learn a few things along the way.” – Doug Zawisza – read the full review HERE.

MARCH: BOOK THREEJohn Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate PowellPublished by Top Shelf ProductionsFind it on Amazon HERE

I cannot fully convey just how important this book is. The finale of the March trilogy, chronicling John Lewis’ early years in the Civil Rights Movement, won a National Book Award – and for good reason: it’s amazing.

THE OMEGA MEN: THE END IS HERETom King, Barnaby Bagenda, Romulo Fajardo Jr.Published by DC ComicsFind it on Amazon HERE

“The Omega Men is not your typical comic. It is not a ripoff or some kind of derivative sci-fi adventure filled with tropes. This is a true space opera and there is nothing I can compare it to that would do it justice. Find the collection, devour the collection.” – read the full review HERE.

Ms. Marvel is absolutely amazing and so deserving of the omnibus treatment. This is an important comic and one of the best to come from the House of Ideas in recent years.

THE ART OF CHARLIE CHAN HOCK CHYESonny LiewPublished by Pantheon Graphic NovelsFind it on Amazon HERE

Sonny Liew’s masterful work blurs several styles as he tells the tale of Chan in this truly unique graphic novel.

PATIENCE Daniel Clowes Published by Fantagraphics Books Find it on Amazon HERE

It’s new Daniel Clowes. He’s a powerhouse and this is a must read for those on your list who aren’t looking for capes or power rings.

SOMETHING NEW Lucy Knisley Published by :01 First Second Find it on Amazon HERE

Lucy Knisley’s style brings you right into the process of planning her wedding and it never lets go. This is a masterfully crafted comic that anyone who’s planned a wedding or planning one will get a kick out of. Full of heart, it’s a great read.

MOCKINGBIRD VOL. 1: I CAN EXPLAINChelsea Cain, Kate NiemczykPublished by Marvel ComicsFind it on Amazon HERE

This is one of the best series to be published in 2016 and a shining beacon of how awesome superhero comics can be. An absolute must read that is funny, action packed and flat out entertaining.

PRINCE OF CATS HC Ronald Wimberly Published by Image Comics Find it on Amazon HERE

Originally released in 2012, Prince Of Cats has received the hardcover treatment it has always deserved in 2016. This one is a Hamilton-meets-Shakespeare event before its time.

“Kicking and Screaming achieved in seven issues what no one in recent memory has been able to do in twelve. Super-groups burn hot and fast, which is what Fletcher, Wu, Guerra, Jarrell, Loughridge, and Wands clearly represent. They did the work and showed us a vision of what the future of the medium could look like.” – Emma Houxbois – read the full review HERE.

HEAD LOPPER Andrew MacLean Published by Image Comics Find it on Amazon HERE

“Head Lopper is a glorious visual buffet, filled to the brim with crazy action and intriguing characters.” – Nikki Sherman

The dynamic duo of the Marvel Universe take off in the first volume of one of the most entertaining comics to be published through 2016. Lunella is smart as a whip and her friendship with Devil Dinosaur is heart-warming, to say the least.

DELILAH DIRK AND THE KING’S SHILLING Tony Cliff Published by :01 First Second Find it on Amazon HERE

Delilah Dirk is a wonderful title and the King’s Shilling is a great second volume. Grab the first one while you’re at it, you won’t be disappointed.

TETRIS: THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY Box Brown Published by :01 First Second Find it on Amazon HERE

Box Brown digs deep into the history of Tetris and the impact video games play in today’s culture and society.

BLACK PANTHER: A NATION UNDER OUR FEET BOOK 1 Ta-Nehisi Coates, Brian Stelfreeze Published by Marvel Comics Find it on Amazon HERE

Ta-Nehisi Coates & Brian Stelfreeze have brought Black Panther to a level never seen in the history of the character, and ushered in a new era of diversity and creativity at Marvel Comics.

WONDER WOMAN: THE TRUE AMAZON Jill Thompson Published by DC Comics Find it on Amazon HERE

Veteran creator Jill Thompson delves into the Amazon’s early days, which is really all that needs to be said to justify picking this one up.

COMICS ADJACENT SECTION:

Art Baltazar art is the perfect way to introduce comics to kids and nobody pencils DC characters like him! This punch-out activity book is a surefire winner.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PONY Kate Beaton Published by Arthur A. Levine Books Find it on Amazon HERE

Kate Beaton (of Hark! A Vagrant! fame) delivers one of the funniest and cutest picture books of the year with The Princess And The Pony. It really is comics for little readers (and maybe the older reader laughs just as much…and maybe even more than, the younger reader with this one).

Special thanks to Matt Santori, Emma Houxbois and Sam Marx for their assistance assembling this list!